LiLiT - a Liquid-Lithium Target as an Intense Neutron Source for Nuclear Astrophysics at the Soreq Applied Research Accelerator Facility

An intense neutron source based on a high-intensity (2-4 mA) proton beam from the SARAF superconducting linear accelerator (Soreq NRC, Israel) and on a windowless forced-flow Liquid-Lithium Target (LiLiT) is being developed. The neutron source will be used primarily for studies of neutron-induced reactions of interest to nuclear astrophysics. The principle and design of the target, presently in construction, are discussed.